The Bottom Line

We can help you meet the financial challenge of paying for your education.

Bluefield offers scholarships and grants that are based on merit (your good grades) and your financial need. There are also many loan programs and federally-based work-study jobs that will be considered in the quest to find what you need.

Most things of great value do not have small price tags. An education at Bluefield is not inexpensive, but we will do everything we can to make it affordable. The next four years of your college experience will be priceless – the learning, the growing, and the experiences that will shape the rest of your life. There are many ways to help you pay for the priceless education and experience you will receive from Bluefield College.

Federal Student Aid

All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is based on the outcome of data you submitted on your FAFSA. Pell-eligible students may receive up to $3,047 per semester. Students may be eligible for the following aid from the federal government:

Pell Grant

Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct PLUS Loan (to parents of dependent students)

Grants and Scholarships

Undergraduate On Campus

Federal Grant Programs

The Federal Pell Grant is available to low income students. Your eligibility is based on the outcome of your FAFSA and is FREE money granted to you by the Federal Government based on your need. This award ranges from $0 - $3,048 per semester. Some students may be affected by the Lifetime Eligibility Used requirements for the Federal Pell Grant. Click here for more information.

Virginia State Grant Programs

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is a $3,270 state grant for residents of Virginia. To be eligible, students must be a domiciled Virginia resident, complete the 2018-19 VTAG application by the July 31 deadline, must not have moved to Virginia for the purpose of attending a post-secondary school, and pursuing undergraduate studies. Students who have previously received VTAG in a prior award year do not need to complete the application.

Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant

The Virginia Two Year College Transfer Grant (CTG) has a standard award of $1,000 and up to an additional $1,000 for certain majors (science, teaching, mathematics, and nursing). To be eligible, students must complete a FAFSA, be an undergraduate in-state student (first time entering freshman no earlier than Fall 2007), be a Virginia domiciled resident, must not have moved to Virginia for the purposes of attending a post-secondary school, must meet the selective service requirements, have an EFC of $12,000 (or less depending on the year it was first awarded), must have earned an Associate's degree at a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for the Associate’s degree, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at Bluefield College, and be enrolled full-time by fall semester following completion of the Associate's degree (limited to 3 years).

Almost every state education agency has at least one grant or scholarship available to residents, and many have a long list of student aid programs. Eligibility is usually restricted to state residents attending a college in-state, but that's not always the case. There are annual deadlines for most programs (if you miss a deadline, be sure to try again next year). Click on your state at http://www.nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs to find out what financial aid programs may be available to you through your state education agency. Also check out state and regional tuition exchanges and keep in mind that other state-sponsored aid may available through non-profit organizations in your area.

Bluefield College Programs

Academic Scholarships

These scholarships, which range from $2,000 to $10,000, are awarded based on your academic performance and are renewable for all four years of full-time enrollment provided the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress. A combination of GPA and SAT/ACT score are used to determine the scholarship level. These scholarships include the Lansdell, Harman, Trustees’, Deans’, and Alumni scholarship.

BC Access Scholarship

These scholarships are determined by academic performance and need. The amount is unique for each qualifying student. These scholarships are renewable for all four years of full-time enrollment provided the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Bluefield College Virginia Baptist Housing Scholarship

This is a four-year, inflation-proof scholarship to the sons and daughters of Baptist ministers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. High school seniors who are the children of Baptist pastors, assistant pastors, associate pastors, youth ministers, children’s ministers, and music ministers are encouraged to apply.

The scholarship will pay for the cost of double occupancy housing in Rish Hall, Cruise Hall, East River Hall, or Alumni Hall for a maximum of four academic years at Bluefield College. The housing scholarship can be used by qualified students in addition to any merit scholarships, need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships, or fine arts scholarships which have been awarded by Bluefield College. In accordance with college policy, the scholarship recipient will not be awarded institutional aid in combination with federal and state grant aid in excess of their direct costs at Bluefield College. Direct costs includes tuition, fees, room, and board.

Attain an application from our Forms and Resources, complete, and return to the Bluefield College Admissions Office.

Presidential Scholarship

Each year, Bluefield College awards two full-tuition scholarships, available for only two (2) new freshman. Potential recipients will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation, come to campus for an interview, and to write an essay that will be reviewed by select faculty members. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years. Students must meet the following: full-time enrollment, maintain Bluefield College cumulative GPA of 3.5 (reviewed at the end of each spring semester), continual enrollment (excluding summers), and 45 hours of tutoring per semester during Junior and Senior years.

Spire Scholarship

Each year, Bluefield College awards ten freshman an additional $2,000 in academic scholarships. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.50 and a minimum 1200 SAT (combination of math and verbal scores) or 26 ACT (composite score) in order to compete. Potential recipients will be asked to provide two letters of recommendation, come to campus for an interview, and to write an essay that will be reviewed by select faculty members. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years. Students must meet the following: full-time enrollment, maintain Bluefield College cumulative GPA of 3.0 (reviewed at the end of each spring semester), continual enrollment (excluding summers), and 30 hours of tutoring per semester during Junior and Senior years.

Honors Scholarship

Incoming students have the opportunity to apply to the Honors Program. To qualify for the Honors Program, students must have a minimum 25 ACT (composite score), 1140 SAT (combination of math and verbal scores), or be eligible for the Presidential Scholarship. Students can apply and submit essays online. Students who are admitted into the program qualify for $1,000 scholarships that are renewable each year of participation. For more information, contact Dr. Rob Merritt at
.

Athletic Scholarships

Awarded by our coaching staff, this scholarship is renewable based on the criteria of the coach and the standards of NAIA.

Fine Arts Scholarships

Awarded to students who have demonstrated talent in the areas of visual and performing arts, these scholarships are determined by audition before the faculty of the Fine Arts Department.

marching band Scholarships

Awarded to students who have demonstrated talent in marching band, these scholarships are determined by audition before the music department. Award amount varies per student. This scholarship is renewable based on criteria established by the music department along with criteria set in our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Worship Band Scholarships

Awarded to students who have demonstrated talent in a worship team, these scholarships are determined by audition before the Student Development Department. Award amount is $10,000 per year. This scholarship is renewable for all four years of full-time enrollment provided the student meets the criteria established by Student Development and maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress.

PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

Awarded by our Admissions staff based on the criteria set by the Admissions Department. The amount is unique for each qualifying student based on need. This scholarship is renewable for all four years of full-time enrollment provided the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Bluefield College Private Scholarships

The following scholarship applications are available for download from Forms and Resources. In order to be considered, completed applications must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by June 1st.

Barbara Price Memorial Scholarship

Barbara Price of Bluefield, West Virginia, was a tremendous asset to Bluefield College and the founder of the Bluefield College Art Club. She was talented in both painting and ceramics, and had a strong desire to help the art program at Bluefield College. Due to her love of art and desire to help Bluefield College, this scholarship is named in her memory. The applicant must be an art, art education, or graphic communication major at Bluefield College. If there are no qualifying students in these majors in a given year, the pool of acceptable majors may be expanded to include any majors which would be considered those within the broad field of Fine Arts. Preference shall be given to students with a demonstrated financial need.

Billy G. Moore Scholarship

Billy G. Moore had a life-long appreciation for learning and higher education. This scholarship is established in his name and his request prior to his death was that this endowed scholarship be used to financially assist future students entering the fields of education or ministry at Bluefield College. The recipients of The B.G. Moore Endowed Scholarship are to be full-time students that plan to either obtain teacher licensure or have a sensed call to full-time Christian service, including youth, music, Christian education, or full-time pastorate ministries. The recipients must have and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to qualify for this scholarship. A preference shall also be given to students with a demonstrated financial need. The recipient will be eligible to receive this scholarship for up to four years, providing that he/she maintains a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average and is in compliance with the college's accountability.

C. Ray and Jane Wingrove Scholarship

Preference is to be given to rising juniors who plan a career of teaching/research in education, including those whose goal is college or university teaching and research. Recipients must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and also be in good standing with Bluefield College in order to qualify for the scholarship. Preference shall also be given to students with a demonstrated financial need.

Clarence H. and Phyllis L. Vance Scholarship

Recipients of the Clarence H. and Phyllis L. Vance Scholarship for Ministry and Missions are to be full-time students who have a sensed call to serve in the area of drama or full-time pastorate ministries. First preference shall be given to students from the Virginia counties of Tazewell, Buchanan, and Russell. If necessary, the field may be broadened to include any student from Southwest Virginia. Preference shall be given to students with a demonstrated financial need.

Cleta Francis Scholarship

The Maggie Francis Scholarship Fund is established by Mrs. Cleta Francis in appreciation for the role Bluefield College has played in her formal education. Mrs. Francis, fondly known as Maggie, received her four-year degree in May 2001 at the age of 78. The funds, rewarded annually, will be maintained for the support of said scholarship. The scholarship will be rewarded to undergraduate students at Bluefield College who meet the criterion established by the donor. Scholarships shall be awarded based on financial need with preference given to a student majoring in art, art education, or graphic communication. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic performance in accordance with the academic progress statement of the College catalog.

Eliz Shelton Fine Arts Scholarship

Scholarships shall be awarded to current or incoming students of Bluefield College who are recognized by the committee as possessing outstanding musical abilities.

Fugate Scholarship

The scholarship recipient must be a resident of Tazewell, Buchanan, or Dickenson counties in Virginia. The recipient must be a member of a Southern Baptist Church and should be majoring in the environmental sciences or mathematics. Students must do well academically and should be of good moral character.

Jason D. Elswick Scholarship

Jason David Elswick was a 2002 graduate of Tazewell High School and had an ambition to become a math teacher. Unfortunately, his life was cut short October 14, 2005 at the young age of 21. He had such a desire to help local students receive an education that his family and friends established the Jason David Elswick Memorial Scholarship. Recipients of The Jason David Elswick Scholarship are to be graduates of Tazewell High School in Tazewell, Virginia. In the event that no students from Tazewell High qualify, students from any high school located in Tazewell County may qualify as recipients. Qualifying students should be seeking a teacher licensure in mathematics and must have and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average to qualify or to continue to qualify for this scholarship. In the event that there are no students seeking teacher licensure in math, students who are going into any teaching field may apply. Students should exemplify strong Christian character, as expressed in an essay to be submitted during the application process to Bluefield College. A letter of recommendation, written by a teacher, is also requested. Preference shall be given to students who demonstrate a financial need.

Joe Burton Scholarship

Pastor Joe Burton was a man who praised God and showed his love of Christ. Due to his great character and the impact he left, his church members of First Baptist Church made a contribution to Bluefield College in Pastor Burton’s honor. The recipient of this scholarship is to be a student in preparation of Denominational Services. In the event that the scholarship is not distributed in the above fashion, it can be given to any student in a hardship situation.

JP Jardine Music Scholarship

The JP Jardine Scholarship is established in memory of JP Jardine, a long-time music professor at Bluefield College. Mr. Jardine taught voice, music theory, and music history, and directed the choir at Bluefield College from 1972 to 1992. During these years, he blessed the lives of countless students. Students eligible for awards from this scholarship shall be deserving students in the Bluefield College music program with preference given to upperclassmen who have demonstrated unique dedication and accomplishments in their work as music majors. Recipients shall be full-time students and receive the awards each academic year, until graduation, by maintaining a 3.0 grade point average and by remaining in good standing with the College.

Kathryn Hoback Education Scholarship

Kathryn Hoback was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a teacher at heart and taught in public schools, Sunday Schools, and numerous ladies’ Bible School classes. She was a devoted wife and mother who dearly loved her family and was active in the community, serving in leadership positions with numerous local organizations. She passed away at the age of eighty-one and her husband, G. Harold Hoback, established a scholarship in her memory. This scholarship is intended to benefit students seeking teacher licensure.

Longworth Scholarship

Recipients of this scholarship are to be current or upcoming students who are majoring in Criminal Justice. Recipients should have good qualities of character and a need for this scholarship.

Louise and Dennis Leary Scholarship

Louise Thomas was born in Halifax County, Virginia. She later became a school teacher in Richlands, Virginia, while living in Tazewell County. This is where she met Dennis, her husband; they lived in Beckley, West Viriginia, for many years. Recipients of the Louise Thomas & Dennis Leary Scholarship are to be full-time students and residents from Halifax, Campbell, Tazewell, or Allegheny, VA (including Covington); or Raleigh, WV. Qualifying students must be majoring in one of the following fields of study: Education or Christian Studies. Preference shall be given to students with a demonstrated financial need. It is the founder's desire that the scholarship would follow a student through each of his or her college years at Bluefield College, providing that the recipient maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average and does not receive any disciplinary sanctions.

Martha Louise Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Martha Louise Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor Martha Louise Martin, who served Eastland Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, as a pianist for 20 years from 1957 to 1977 and organist for 13 years from 1977 to 1990. Miss Martin was also a public school teacher and librarian. The scholarship will provide a $1,000 award each year to a Bluefield College student planning a career in church music. Recipients of the scholarship are to be full-time students who are “dedicated Christ-followers, members of a Baptist church, and avid participants in a church music program.” Candidates must also be “talented instrumentalists” as well as “above-average achievers” in their studies, including high school. In addition, they must be individuals involved in community activities, engaged in missions, and committed to spreading the Gospel through their future employment.

McDougle Scholarship

First preference is to be given to students who plan to obtain teacher licensure in elementary education. Preference shall also be given to students with a demonstrated financial need. It is the founder's desire that the scholarship follow a student through each of his or her college years. No particular major is required, but the student should be a Christian who is active in his/her church.

Nelson T. and Ethel Barker Scholarship

Reverend and Mrs. Nelson T. Barker spent many years in Tazewell County ministering to its residents. Nelson T. Barker was a graduate of King College in Bristol, Tennessee, and Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Around 1940, he became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Richlands, Virginia, and remained there for over twenty years. Ethel Raines Barker was a graduate of Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, and attended the Carver School of Missions and Southern Seminary. She was also active in the missions, organizations, and activities of First Baptist Church during the same years. Recipients of the Nelson T. and Ethel R. Barker Memorial Scholarship are to be from Southwest Virginia, with preference given to residents of Tazewell and Buchanan counties. In the event that no students from this region qualify, students from anywhere in Virginia may qualify as recipients. Students with a demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Bluefield College Financial Aid Office, shall be given preferential treatment in the awarding process. Qualifying students should have a sensed call to full-time Christian service, including youth, music, Christian education, or full-time pastorate ministries. Recipients must have and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average to qualify or continue to qualify for this scholarship.

Rev. David L. Bailey Scholarship

Rev. David L. Bailey, Sr. attended Bluefield College during the early 1920s, and was called to enter the Christian ministry and attended Southern Seminary. This scholarship is established in honor of him and his wife, Katheryne Chocklett Bailey. This is for non-traditional students who are not high school graduates and who are going into Christian ministry.

Shirley Chapman-Meador Scholarship

Ms. Shirley Chapman-Meador, a native of Saltville, Virginia, attended Bluefield College in the early 1970s. She received her degree in 1973 and went on to earn additional degrees from East Tennessee State and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. She has made teaching her life’s work. Because of the struggles Shirley faced as a young woman wanting to attend college and her love for teaching, she has chosen to help others through the establishment of this scholarship. Recipients of the Chapman-Meador Scholarship for Education are to be students who plan to become teachers. In the event that Bluefield College ever ceases to offer training for teacher education, the criteria may be enlarged to include other fields of study which most closely match the original intent. Candidates for the scholarship must have at least a "C" average or its equivalent in high school.

Stafford L. Compton Scholarship

Recipients of the Stafford L. Compton Scholarship for Ministry and Missions are to be students who plan to serve in the field of Christian ministry and missions. First preference shall be given to students from the Virginia counties of Tazewell, Buchanan, and Russell. If necessary, the field may be broadened to include any student from Southwest Virginia.

Trent Argo International Scholarship

In an effort to preserve the legacy of the late Trent Argo, who served as vice president for enrollment management and student development at Bluefield College from 2011 to 2017, the Argo family and Bluefield College have established the Trent Argo International Scholarship. The scholarship is designed to provide additional financial resources to help international students attend Bluefield College, which was a passion of Trent’s during his time at BC. To be eligible, students must show a history of engagement and leadership in school activities, including clubs and sports, along with a record of achievement in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Applicants must also demonstrate a financial need, a love for Bluefield College, and a commitment to see the college and its surrounding community grow and improve. Additional consideration will be given to those who possess traits exhibited in the life of Trent Argo:

approachable

responsible

enthusiastic

dedicated

organized

humble

loyal

To apply, students must submit:

a two-page essay explaining why you are deserving of the scholarship

a letter of recommendation from a Bluefield College professor

a letter of recommendation from a BC coach or club advisor

three recommendations from students

a copy of your financial aid record

Call 276.326.4217 or email
. Applications must be received by October 18.

W. James Lowder Min. Scholarship

An annual award is to be made to a student(s) from Southwest Virginia or Southern West Virginia that plan to pursue a career in the ministry. In the event that no students from this geographic region apply, then any Baptist student who is pursuing the ministry may be considered. All scholarship recipients should maintain a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Beneficiaries of the fund shall be students representing and possessing qualities of Christian character whose conduct, character, and qualities shall be representative of the principles of Christianity. This is a need-based scholarship.

William D. Evans Scholarship

William D. Evans is a native of Clarksburg, West Virginia. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clemson University in 1970. He continued his education at Virginia Tech and graduated with an M.B.A. degree in 1974. Bill was chosen to help future students at Bluefield College through the establishment of this scholarship. He understands the importance of a college education and more importantly, the positive impact that the school teachers have in the classroom. Preference is to be given to rising juniors who plan a career in business. Recipients must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and also be in good standing with Bluefield College in order to qualify for this scholarship. Preference shall also be given to students with a demonstrated financial need.

The Robbins-Gainer Entrepreneur scholarship

The Robbins-Gainer Entrepreneur Award was established by Caleb Robbins (’16) and Walter Gainer II (’16) to be awarded to students who possess an entrepreneurial spirit and seek to be involved in their community. Students need to be enrolled full-time and pursing a Bachelor's degree in a Business concentration. Preference with go to those who live in a 90-mile radius of Bluefield College, have been negatively affected by the coal industry decline, or 1st-Generation College students. Applicants should submit a one to three-page essay on what they think it means to be an entrepreneur and they could positively impact the Bluefield Community along with two letters of recommendation from current professors or business professionals. Application deadline is May 1.

The COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP

The commonwealth scholarship is to be made to a student(s) from Virginia enrolled into a program whose primary purpose is not to provide religious training or theological education. All scholarship recipients must have and should maintain a cumulative college grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Beneficiaries of the fund must be at least a sophomore, demonstrate financial need and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Application deadline is November 1st.

The Walls-farmer endowed scholarship

Open to traditional on-campus and online students seeking a degree and career in criminal justice. Must have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative college grade point average and not receive any disciplinary sanctions. Applicants need to demonstrate financial aid need. Applications and short essay due by October 26.

Undergraduate Online

Federal Grant Programs

The Federal Pell Grant is available to low income students. Your eligibility is based on the outcome of your FAFSA and is FREE money granted to you by the Federal Government based on your need. This award ranges from $0 - $3,048 per semester. Some students may be affected by the Lifetime Eligibility Used requirements for the Federal Pell Grant. Click here for more information.

Virginia State Grant Programs

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) is a $3,270 state grant for residents of Virginia. To be eligible, students must be a domiciled Virginia resident, complete the 2018-19 VTAG application by the July 31 deadline, must not have moved to Virginia for the purpose of attending a post-secondary school, and be pursuing either an undergraduate degree or a Masters of Science degree in Nursing. Masters degree students are only eligible for up to $1,640 for the year. Students who have previously received VTAG in a prior award year do not need to complete the application.

Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant

The Virginia Two Year College Transfer Grant (CTG) has a standard award of $1,000 and up to an additional $1,000 for certain majors (science, teaching, mathematics, and nursing). To be eligible, students must complete a FAFSA, be an undergraduate in-state student (first time entering freshman no earlier than Fall 2007), be a Virginia domiciled resident, must not have moved to Virginia for the purposes of attending a post-secondary school, must meet the selective service requirements, have an EFC of $12,000 (or less depending on the year it was first awarded), must have earned an Associate's degree at a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for the Associate’s degree, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at Bluefield College, and be enrolled full-time by fall semester following completion of the Associate's degree (limited to 3 years).

Almost every state education agency has at least one grant or scholarship available to residents, and many have a long list of student aid programs. Eligibility is usually restricted to state residents attending a college in-state, but that's not always the case. There are annual deadlines for most programs (if you miss a deadline, be sure to try again next year). Click on your state at http://www.nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs to find out what financial aid programs may be available to you through your state education agency. Also check out state and regional tuition exchanges and keep in mind that other state-sponsored aid may available through non-profit organizations in your area.

Institutional Programs

The following scholarship applications are available for download from Forms and Resources. In order to be considered, completed applications must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by specified deadline.

Bluefield (VA) Rotary Club Scholarship for Online Learners

Four $500.00 scholarships shall be awarded to current or incoming students pursing their education through the online format. Recipients of this scholarship must (1) be currently enrolled or plan on enrolling in the online program; (2) be full-time; (3) have and maintain a 2.0 GPA; and (4) meet the November 1st application deadline.

Catherine Corte Payne Scholarship for Adult Learning

Recipients of this scholarship must (1) be currently enrolled or plan on enrolling in the online program; (2) be full-time; (3) have and maintain a 2.0 GPA; and (4) meet the November 1st application deadline.

The Walls-farmer endowed scholarship

Open to traditional on-campus and online students seeking a degree and career in criminal justice. Must have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative college grade point average and not receive any disciplinary sanctions. Applicants need to demonstrate financial aid need. Applications and short essay due by October 26.

Outside Financial Resources

We encourage students to seek aid from every possible source, such as Veteran's Affairs, Rehabilitative Services, SCHEV, employer reimbursement, employer pay, community and civic organizations, churches, and local scholarship programs. Students should also check out www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org.

Students should notify us if they are receiving an outside award, so that the expected award may be included in the award package. This will help determine your balance due at the start of the school year in advance of receiving these funds. It is also important that we include these awards in your financial aid package to avoid any federal over-payment conditions, which could affect your future eligibility for aid.

The Financial Aid Office maintains an outside scholarship listing with some known local, regional, and national scholarship resources. View the latest scholarships and grants in the newsletter below.